If the deceased left assets in their sole name with a total value of more than £5,000 then you will usually need to obtain a Grant of Probate (if there is a will) or Letters of Administration (if no will or no valid will).

We can help you if the estate is straightforward (non complex and non-contentious), if at the date of death, the deceased:  

•  Lived in England or Wales and had no overseas assets.
• Their total assets did not exceed £1,000,000.
• Did not make any gifts or transfer any assets of more than  £150,000 in total value, 
    in the 7 years prior to their death.
• The value of their estate is below the current Inheritance Tax threshold (£325,000 currently) or will be if the Residential Nil Rate Tax Threshold applies, and/or the Unused Nil Rate Tax Threshold applies.

If there is no (valid) will, then the process for applying to become the Administrator (rather than Executor) of an estate is similar and we would apply for Letters of Administration rather than Probate. Despite the different names for the different processes, they are essentially the same process. The Letters of Administration process is also included in this service.

If there is are any disputes,  if there is a large extended family, a business or foreign property involved, or if there are  insufficient assets to pay all of the debts  or a significant amount of money. Also if there are complex inheritance tax calculations required and substantial inheritance tax to pay.

On average you can expect to pay £5,000 – £6,000 + VAT for an average sized straightforward estate. Solicitors will usually charge an hourly rate typically £150 - £300 per hour plus an additional  fee typically 0.5% to 1.5% of the value of the estate and then there's 20% VAT on top of that.  Because they charge on an hourly basis solicitors have an incentive to make the work last as long as possible. Banks typically charge a percentage of the estate (around 4%).

It can range from 6 - 10 weeks to 12 months and longer, depending on the complexity of the will and estate, for example if there are family disputes and inheritance tax is due etc. The simpler the will and estate, the quicker it is typically to deal with HMRC and get probate granted.

The process is fairly straightforward but there are legally required timelines for submission of Inheritance Tax paperwork to HMRC (Revenue & Customs) before you can apply for Probate. If the value of the deceased's estate is under £325,000 then there is typically no inheritance tax to pay and the paperwork if far simpler to complete. 

Yes, we can take over the probate application paperwork for you at any time. Whilst the process is fairly straight-forward, it can sometimes be overwhelming due to the time involved and the effects of grief - we are happy to help.

This will include checking if Inheritance Tax is payable for simple estates. This service is not suitable for complex estates where businesses, foreign property ownership, large extended family situations and potentially contentious probate (family disputes) applies.